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Book_^ 



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COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



THE RATIONAL CARE 

OF 

THE BOWELS 



— BY— 

DR. ERNEST C. BOND 



PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR 

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN 

1916 






COPYRIGHT 1916 BY 
ERNEST C. BOND 



"fi 



ot 



MAY 27 1916 



©CU431249 



Dedicated to 
Afflicted Humanity Everywhere 



FOREWORD 



AFTER nearly fifteen years of gratify- 
ing results in the treatment of the 
affliction commonly known as con- 
stipation, the author has decided to give 
to the general public through the medium 
of this little book, some of the things of 
value he has learned regarding the proper 
care and activity of the bowels, about 
which he has discovered profound ignor- 
ance on the part of the average individual. 

Constipation is in a sense, a universal 
affliction of the American People, and es- 
pecially so of the American woman. The 
term is here used to denote the unnatural 
retention of waste matter within the boweh 
The absorption of these retained products, 
by the blood stream, is called by the 
long name of autointoxication, which 
means self poisoning. This pollution of 
the blood stream lowers the vital resistance 
of the bodily cells and thus makes possible 
almost any diseased condition. 

A lack of knowledge concerning simple 
common sense things is responsible for 
most of the trouble, therefore it shall be our 
constant endeavor in the pages that follow, 
to furnish some enlightenment along these 
lines, in as simple terms as possible. 

E, C. B, 
February 7, 1916. 

g 



CHAPTER I. 

THE ANATOMY OF THE BOWEL 
OR HOW IT IS CONSTRUCTED. 

HAT is commonly spoken of 
as the bowel, comprises the 
small and large intestine, be- 



W 



mm 



ginning at the pyloric orifice or out- 
let of the stomach and ending at 
the rectum. The small intestine is 
approximately twenty feet in length 
and the large intestine or colon five 
feet. 

The small intestine is composed 
of three important coats or layers 
which for simplicity's sake may be 
named, external, middle, andfin- 
ternal. The external coat is com- 
posed of straight muscular fibres, 
which run in the same general direc- 
tion as the intestine itself. The 
middle coat is also a muscular one, 
the fibres of which circle the intes- 

7 



tine. The internal or mucous coat, 
composed of thousands of cells, aids 
absorption and secretion, about which 
we shall have more to say in the 
chapter on physiology. 

The structure of the large in- 
testine or colon is likel that of 
the small intestine, with the excep- 
tion that the circular muscular fibres 
are gathered more into rings or 
bundles. This arrangement has a 
tendency to constrict the colon 
where these muscular or fibrous 
bands are located and to leave pouch- 
es or sacculations between. See 
page nine. The reader will please 
keep these pocket like depressions in 
mind, for elsewhere in this treatise 
we shall have more to say about 
them. An important band of the 
circular muscular fibres mentioned 
above, is located at the outlet of the 
bowel, and forms what is known as 
the sphincter muscle, which is one of 

8 




Showing the relative position of the large and small 
intestine in the normal state. Note the pocket like 
irregularities of the large intestine, or colon. 



the most important orifices of the 
body, when considering the affliction 
known as constipation. We shall 
therefore have more to say about 
the rectal sphincters later. 



10 



CHAPTER II. 

THE PHYSIOLOGY OF THE 
BOWEL, OR HOW IT WORKS 

The mechanism of the bowel is 
controlled largely by what is termed 
reflex action. The nerve endings in 
the intestinal wall are stimulated by 
the presence of digesting and digested 
food. This impulse is carried over 
certain nerve fibres to cells in the 
spinal cord, where it is transferred, 
to other cells connected with out 
going nerve fibres, and sent back 
over them to nerve endings in the 
muscular coats of the intestine, caus- 
ing them to contract upon their 
contents, thus forcing the mass along. 

The muscular fibers running 
lengthwise of the intestine inter- 
mittently contract and relax, or 
shorten and lengthen, causing a 
wormlike movement called peris- 
talsis. The circular muscular fibres, 
spoken of in the first chapter, con- 

11 



tract upon the intestinal contents 
at the same time. It is this combined 
action that causes the intestinal 
contents to move towards the outlet. 

In order that this mass may 
move constantly and easily forward, 
it is very essential that the mucous 
lining of the intestine be well lubri- 
cated. The secretion of mucous for 
this purpose is the function of thou- 
sands of delicate cells composing 
the mucous membrane or lining of 
the intestine. In the human, the 
force of gravity probably plays some 
part in the onward and downward 
movement, helping at some points 
and hindering at others. 

When the contents of the stomach 
is discharged into the upper por- 
tion of the small intestine, it is in 
a semi-liquid state. Digestion con- 
tinues here, and absorption of the 
liquid food and water takes place 
rapidly. The remaining residue, pro- 
viding there is any left, is mixed with 

12 



the mucous, spoken of above, in 
order that it may not become too dry. 
The intestinal tract might be 
compared to an elastic tube of 
twenty-five or thirty feet in length, 
coiled upon itself, closed at either 
end by valves. In order to function 
properly, this tube should be mode- 
rately well filled from one end to 
the other at all times, so that the 
entrance of new material at one end 
will have a natural tendency to 
produce an evacuation at the other. 
This point will be made clear in 
another chapter. 



13 



CHAPTER III. 

THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER 

BOWEL ACTIVITY. 

Some one has aptly said "If you 
would succeed in life, keep your 
head cool, your feet warm, your 
bowels open, and be on time." 

The time and attention of our 
able, sanitary engineers are being 
devoted at the present time, to the 
very important problem of how best 
to dispose of the sewerage of our 
cities, and to the equally important 
one of keeping our drinking water 
pure. 

The human body with its millions 
of individual and differentiated cells 
can be compared, without any 
stretch of the imagination, to a city. 
Here we have the same problems 
to solve, viz: how best to dispose 
of its waste matter and keep its 
blood stream pure. 

Humanity has undoubtedly be- 
come impressed with the importance 

14 



of the proper disposal of the bodily 
waste matter. In fact, this impression 
is of so deep a nature, that they have 
taken the matter largely into their 
own hands, and the majority seem to 
believe that regardless of how much 
or how little they have eaten, a move- 
ment must be forced every day by 
the use of some artificial measure, or 
something serious is likely to happen. 

Autointoxication is probably as 
old as the human race, but only 
during recent years has any marked 
attention been paid to the colon or 
large intestine, as the source of this 
self poisoning in many cases. Some 
physicians go so far as to say we 
would be better off without this 
portion of our anatomy. The writer 
can not subscribe to this view, being 
one of those who believe that as 
long as nature retains an organ, it 
must be of some use in her plans. 

It was the custom for many 
years, and still is to a certain extent, 

15 



when holding postmortems and 
autopsies, to disregard the intestine 
without an examination as to its 
internal condition, owing to the un- 
pleasantness of the task. However, 
when investigated, the condition 
found in many cases was almost un- 
believable, tending to prove the as- 
sertion of the eminent pathologist 
Dr. Metschnikoff, "Man does not 
die, he kills himself/ ' 

In many autopsies held where 
death had been assigned to other 
causes, the colon was found to be 
a veritable cess-pool of death, in 
some extreme cases distended to 
twice or three times its normal size, 
filled with foul decaying matter, 
with only a small passage in the 
center, through which nature had 
been trying to maintain an outlet 
to keep up the unequal fight. In 
very few cases was the colon found 
to be in a normal healthy state, the 
abnormality varying all the way 

16 



from slight deposit, to the extreme 
condition mentioned above. 

Every cell and organ in the body 
is dependent, for its healthful ac- 
tivity, upon the purity and freedom 
of its blood supply. The blood 
stream cannot be kept pure unless 
proper disposition is made of its 
waste matter. 

The term constipation is herein 
used to mean the unnatural accumu- 
lation and retention of waste matter 
within the bowel, more especially 
within the colon. 



17 



CHAPTER IV 

THE CAUSES OF CONSTIPA- 
TION. 

The causes and contributing fac- 
tors in constipation are numerous. 
There is undoubtedly an hereditary 
tendency to costiveness in some 
families, which seems to be most 
marked in those of the brunette 
type. Ignorance, neglect, sedentary 
habits, drug taking, improper diet, 
etc., are all important, contributing 
factors. 

Dr. Wm. Osier, former physician- 
in-chief at John Hopkin's Hospital, 
Baltimore, places the carthartic habit 
in the front rank as a cause of chronic 
constipation. Most progressive phy- 
sicians agree with him, but there 
are thousands of people afflicted 
with this trouble, who do not know 
this. 

The writer has come to believe 
that ignorance of those simple, com- 

18 



mon sense things, that a re so essen 
tial to the normal and healthful ac- 
tivity of the bowel, is perhaps the 
most important factor having to do 
with this affliction. 

The evacuation of the bowel 
consists of a combination of an in- 
voluntary and a voluntary act. This 
fact alone is responsible for much 
trouble. In the lower forms of life, 
in animals and even children, the in- 
stinctive or involuntary portion of 
the act seems to be uppermost, but 
as we advance in the scale of 
civilization, it becomes more and 
more a voluntary matter. 

The beasts of the field know no 
time or place. Constipation is prac- 
tically unknown to them. The op- 
posite is true of man. Nature's 
instinctive promptings are often 
put off to a more convenient time 
and place, with the result that 
Nature virtually says, "Very well, 
I will retire and leave the matter 

19 



entirely to you." The voluntary 
factor assumes charge of the situa- 
tion, and a poor job it makes of it. 
This disregard just spoken of 
is especially true of women. The 
American woman is as prone to 
constipation, as the sparks are to 
fly upward. The reason for this is 
mainly, because she neglects herself 
more, her habits are more sedentary, 
she does not eat as heartily, and her 
clothing is not as well adapted to 
the best activity of the bowels. The 
improperly fitted and improperly 
worn corset is especially guilty. The 
average woman buys a corset of 
some popular make, of the exact 
size of her waist measure or the size, 
she wishes it were, laces it up when 
she first puts it on and never touches, 
the strings again until it is worn 
out. Others, because they have heard 
of the injurious effects of a tight 
corset, wear it so loose that they 
imagine it cannot possibly harm 

20 



them, with the result that they get 
almost the same effect as if it were 
laced too tightly around the waist; 
viz: a tendency for the weight of 
the clothing to drag it down, pulling 
the colon with it. 

Let us pause here to say, that 
so long as women seem destined to 
wear corsets, they should be very 
careful to have them properly fitted, 
upon healthful lines, lacing and ad- 
justing them each time they are put 
on, bearing in mind that the snug- 
gest lacing should be at about the 
lower third, with no undue con- 
striction at the waist line or around, 
the lower part of the chest, thus 
interfering with the normal position 
of the intestine, proper action of the 
diaphragm or the abdominal circula- 
tion. See page 38-A. The corset 
should never be smaller than the 
actual waist measure, and in most 
cases, should be from one to two sizes 
larger, 

21 



Causes will again be touched 
upon in subsequent chapters as to 
treatment. 



at 



CHAPTER V. 

THE EFFECT OF CONSTIPA- 
TION. 

A book might be written upon 
this subject alone, and we believe 
we are conservative when we say, 
that it can hardly be overestimated. 

We have within our bodies, cer- 
tain organs known as the "Ductless 
Glands." The function of these 
glands is to secrete certain sub- 
stances, having to do with neutral- 
izing or overcoming poisonous ma- 
terial circulating in the blood. People 
in whom these glands are not as 
active as they should be, due to 
structural interference with their 
nerve and blood supply, inherited 
weakness, or on account of having 
been exhausted from long spells of 
fever, etc., if constipated, will be dull, 
listless, apahetic, or of that tempera- 
ment termed bilious. Those in 
whom these glands are very active, 

23 



and are making an extra effort to 
protect the system, will be nervous 
and excitable in varying degrees, at 
least until such a time as these glands 
begin to fail from over work. 

In other words, you will get a 
typical effect of intoxication. Only 
in this case, instead of being 
alcoholic, it is another poison ab- 
sorbed from our own intestinal tract. 
You have no doubt noticed how 
alcohol affects different people in 
different ways. Some it makes dull 
and stupid and all they want to 
do is to go to sleep, others become 
greatly stimulated and hilarious. 

When the system is surcharged 
with effete matter that should have 
been eliminated, it can neither pro- 
perly assimilate nourishment nor 
protect itself from disease; so we 
can readily see how an abnormal 
condition of this important channel 
can predispose or contribute to al- 
most any other diseased condition. 

24 



In thousands of cases the charac- 
teristic odor of the breath is evidence 
enough that the blood stream is 
saturated and that Nature is making 
a desperate effort to relieve herself 
through the lungs. 

The cells composing the human 
body, not only have the inherent 
capacity of repairing their own in- 
jury, but that of reproducing them- 
selves as well. So there would seem 
to be no good reason why this 
should not go on indefinitely. It is 
now quite definitely proven, that 
barring accident, death is principally 
due to the slow accumulation of 
faulty by-products, within our own 
bodies, thus clogging the vital 
machinery. Of course, this is not 
due to faulty activity of the bowels 
alone, but to other eliminary organs 
as well, such as the kidneys, skin, 
lungs, etc. 

Returning to the more immediate 
effects of constipation, we might 

25 



mention, appendicitis (inflamation 
of the appendix, in both sexes), 
ovaritis (inflamation of the ovary), 
painful and otherwise abnormal 
monthly periods in women. The 
appendix is attached to the caecum, 
or the beginning of the colon, and 
communicates with this portion of 
the bowel by a small opening through 
which it discharges a mucous lubri- 
cating substance. On this account 
some one has termed it "The oil 
can of the large intestine." Many 
cases of inflamation of this organ 
have undoubtedly been caused by 
this opening having been obstructed 
by fecal matter. 

In the female the ovaries and 
uterus lie in front of the lower por- 
tion of the bowel. Any undue ac- 
cumulation here, is very likely to 
cause pressure upon these delicate 
organs, crowding them out of posi- 
tion and interfering with their func- 
tion. 

26 



Hemorrhoids (piles) are always 
due to some obstruction to the re- 
turn circulation, somewhere along 
the course of the veins. In many 
cases this obstruction is caused by 
pressure from hardened material in 
the large intestine. 

Arteriosclerosis, or what is com- 
monly spoken of as "hardening of 
the arteries" is unquestionably 
brought about in many cases by 
chronic autointoxication, or self-poi- 
poisoning, the source of which is 
often the intestinal tract. 

An analysis of the urine, in case 
of high blood pressure will very 
often show an excess of indican. 
This nearly always means intestinal 
putrefaction, 



2T 



CHAPTER VI. 

IMPORTANCE OF REGU- 
LARITY. 

When the bowel is in a normal, 
healthy condition, its tendency is 
to act with regularity and rhythm. 
In this respect this function is similar 
to others common to the body, as 
for instance the heart, seventy-two 
beats per minute, or the menstrual 
function, once every twenty-eight 
days, etc. The bowel has a decided 
tendency to a twenty-four hour 
rhythm. In the majority of those, 
whose bowels are working normally, 
the desire for a movement occurs soon 
after the morning meal, with some 
it may occur after the mid-day or 
evening meal, and again with others 
the first thing upon arising in the 
mornings The exact time at which 
this automatic desire manifests itself 
is not as important as heeding its 
promptings. The moment this regu- 

28 



larity or rhythm is disturbed, marks 
the beginning of constipation, and 
the most important consideration 
in the treatment, is the restoring of 
this rhythm when lost. This can 
be accomplished by natural, rational 
measures. Nature's call, if ignored, 
continues to grow fainter and fainter, 
until it finally disappears entirely. 

Constipation, when uncompli- 
cated by serious organic disease, is 
purely a functional trouble; and no 
matter how chronic, will yield to 
the instructions contained in these 
pages, if they are intelligently and 
persistently observed. 

The importance of diet, exercise, 
etc., will be emphasized under their 
respective headings. We wish here 
to enumerate however, a few things 
of special importance, pertaining to 
the re-establishment and maintain- 
ance of regularity. 

In the vast majority a movement 
tends to occur soon after the morn- 

29 



ing meal. The intake of food and 
drink and the intestinal activity 
stimulated thereby tends to produce 
a desire to evacuate. This being the 
case, it is desirable for those thus 
afflicted, to partake of at least a 
light breakfast. 

At least one-half hour before 
the morning meal, a glass of hot or 
cold water should be taken. Individ- 
ual preference may be observed. 
With some the warmth seems to act 
best, with others the tonic effect of 
the cold, with many a dash of lemon 
juice, without sugar, seems to add 
to the good effects of the drink. 
Regularity as to all meals should 
be rigidly observed, but more es- 
pecially the morning meal, which 
should be regular to the minute. 
No piecing should be indulged in 
between meals, unless it might be 
the eating of an apple, orange or 
some other thoroughly ripe fruit 
before retiring, providing several 

30 



hours have elapsed since the regular 
evening meal. Immediately follow- 
ing the morning meal, the attention 
should be voluntarily directed to 
the important function under discus- 
sion. Results should be looked for and 
confidently expected. The break- 
fast should be eaten early enough 
to allow half or three-quarters of an 
hour before having to leave the house. 
If Nature's call does not occur, a 
movement should be gently solicited, 
before leaving the home, in cases 
where one's duties call one away. 
If results are not obtained, the im- 
portant matter should not be lost 
sight of during the day. Nature's 
demands in this respect should be 
given first consideration, whenever 
they occur. 



31 



CHAPTER VIL 

CONCERNING DIET. 

The question of food is perhaps 
the most important, single consider- 
ation, having to do with the rational 
care of the bowels. Most of those 
suffering from constipation are in 
the habit of consuming too little 
bulky food. Their diet is too con- 
centrated and does not leave enough 
undigested residue. 

In order to secure a natural, 
normal movement of the bowels, 
there is nothing quite so essential 
as something to move. The in- 
testine must be full enough to give 
its muscles something to work upon. 
A great many people, especially 
women, subsist about as follows: 
for breakfast, coffee and a roll, for 
lunch, tea and toast, dinner, steak 
potatoes, white bread and perhaps 
some concentrated dessert, such as 
ice cream, and then wonder why 

32 



they "have to take something every 
day of their lives" to force the residue 
out of their system. 

It is not necessary for the average 
cases to deny themselves things 
that they like, or to subsist upon a 
few unpalatable things that happen 
to furnish bulk. All that is required 
is to recognize a few cardinal facts 
and observe them. 

It is the exception rather than 
the rule, for people with good ap- 
petites, and who are in the habit 
of enjoying fairly hearty meals, to 
be constipated. The diet may cover 
a wide range, over the period of the 
day especially, and one may eat 
(barring exceptional cases) what the 
appetite calls for, provided always, 
that the menu contains that kind 
of food, leaving sufficient undigested 
residue, which the system is unable 
to appropriate as nourishment. In 
this list are included practically all 
of the fruits and vegetables, either 

33 



raw or cooked, the coarser breads, 
such as bran, graham, wholewheat, 
cornbread, etc. 

The following articles of diet 
seem to be especially valuable. Onions 
(especially boiled), tomatoes, cucum- 
bers, rutabagas, lettuce, spinach, 
rhubarb. Among fruits might be 
mentioned, stewed prunes, baked 
apples, figs, oranges (eaten quar- 
tered or sliced), etc. 

Bran, graham and wholewheat, 
either in the form of bread or muffins, 
are worthy of especial mention. 
Wheat bran is perhaps the most im- 
portant single article of food, from 
the standpoint of favorable or bene- 
ficial effect upon the bowels. It is 
possessed of considerable value as 
food. It has been compared to an 
"intestinal broom' 9 on account of 
its cleansing properties. It produces 
a certain mechanical stimulation of 
the nerve endings in the intestinal 
wall, and last but not least, it leaves 

34 



sufficient residue. There are many 
ways in which it may be used such 
as muffins, bread, cookies, in all of 
which it is mixed with wheat flour. 
It may be eaten plain with cream 
and sugar, as any other cereal, or 
browned and crisped in the oven. 
Another very good way is to add a 
tablespoonful or so, to a glass of 
water, and drink it. A clean refined 
bran may be procured now at al- 
most any first class grocery store. 

BRAN BREAD. 

2 cupfuls bran 

Z l /2 cupfuls graham flour 

3 tablespoonfuls melted lard 
3 teaspoonfuls sugar 

3 cupfuls buttermilk 

3 level teaspoonfuls soda 

Salt 

Bake one hour in moderate oven. 

BRAN MUFFINS. 

One egg, one cupful flour, one 
cupful bran, one cupful sour milk, 

35 



one teaspoonful soda, pinch of salt, 
one tablespoonful shortening melted. 

BRAN COOKIES. 

Two-thirds cup milk, one-half 
cup butter, two cups bran, two eggs, 
two tablespoonfiils cream, one-half 
cup white flour, two level table- 
spoonfuls baking powder, raisins if 
desired, mix thoroughly, and bake 
in quick oven. 



36 



CHAPTER VIII. 

CONCERNING EXERCISES, 
POSTURE, ETC. 

In as much as sedentary habits 
are an important, contributing factor 
in many cases of constipation, exer- 
cise is of much value in helping to 
overcome the condition. It is not 
necessary that the exercise be con- 
fined to any set, monotonous sys- 
tem. Simple walking with a good 
full stride is hard to improve upon. 
Those who can play golf need take no 
further thought regarding exercise, 
for in this game are combined all 
of those things which go to make 
up the ideal form of exercise, both 
from a mental and physical stand- 
point. 

The importance of proper pos- 
ture should be emphasized in con- 
nection with proper bowel activity. 
The author has noticed that in many 
cases of chronic constipation, the 

37 



mormai spinal contour is reversed. 
Instead of curving forward in the 
region of the small of the back, it 
curves backward. This abnormal 
condition has been brought about by 
not using the spinal muscles to hold 
the body erect, but instead allowing 
it to assume a slumping attitude in 
sitting and walking. The normal for- 
ward curve, at the small of the back, 
is a great aid in supporting and hold- 
ing in their proper position the in- 
testines and other abdominal viscera. 
If the intestines are crowded down- 
ward from incorrect posture, their 
proper activity can hardly be ex- 
pected owing to the fact that the, 
circulation will be interfered with, 
and they will be cramped for room 
in which to contract and relax. See 
next page. A depressed and droop- 
ing condition of the ribs always 
accompanies a slumping spinal atti- 
tude, and as the lower ribs and the 
muscles attached to them overlie the 

38 




Radiographic reproduction showing marked pro- 
lapse of the colon (Authors case). Compare with 
the normal position as shown on page 9. 



38A 



large intestine, its function is often 
interfered with by their pressure. 
The most important thing to be 
thought of in assuming a correct 
posture, is to elevate the chest. Hold 
the chest high, never mind the shoul- 
ders, they will drop into their natural 
position, and the spine will assume 
its normal contour, if you will only 
get the chest up and keep it there. 
Deep and rhythmic breathing 
is of great importance in contribut- 
ing to the proper activity of the 
bowels, because it brings the mus- 
cular partition, between the chest 
and abdomen (known as the dia- 
phragm) into play. Many important 
nerves having to do with intestinal 
function, pass through this muscular 
partition. In shallow breathers the 
diaphragm does not relax and expand 
as it should, with the result that these 
important vessels that pierce it are 
interfered with. In these cases the 
intestines are also deprived of a 

39 



certain massage or churning move- 
ment, exerted by the diaphragm, 
as the lower ribs instead of being 
elevated with each breath, remain 
more or less set and fixed. 



40 



CHAPTER IX. 

TREATMENT IN SPECIAL 

CASES. 
In most cases of constipation, 
the general instructions mentioned 
in the preceeding chapters will apply; 
and, if faithfully followed, will pro- 
duce gratifying results. 

In some cases however, there will 
be found some one feature of im- 
portance to which special attention 
must be directed. In many cases 
the principal trouble will be found 
at or near the rectal outlet. If per- 
fectly normal the stool should pass 
the rectal outlet, with a certain 
feeling of pleasurable gratification, 
rather than one of distress as is so 
often the case. There is a direct 
connection between the sympathetic 
nerve terminals in the rectum and 
and the skin circulation of the entire 
body. 

A normal evacuation of the bowels 
should do two things; viz: rid the 

41 



•ystem of immediate impurities and 
flush the capillaries of the entire body. 
Often the sphincter muscles will 
be found rigidly contracted, owing 
to the long continued use of cathar- 
tics which produce an unformed 
stool, or from other irritating causes, 
such as hemorrhoids (piles), fissures, 
etc. Hemorrhoids are little blood 
tumors or a varicose condition of 
the rectal veins. They are caused 
or contributed to, by anything that 
interferes with the full return of the 
venous blood from these parts, such 
as the pressure of accumulated fecal 
matter, either in the rectum or above, 
along the course of the veins. The 
obstruction in some cases may be 
as high up as the liver, through 
which all of the venous blood must 
pass, on its way to the heart. Among 
other things that contribute to the 
condition known as piles, is the up- 
right position assumed by man, a 
weak heart muscle, sagging intestinal 

42 



walls, etc. The rectal walls are often 
prolapsed, and the veins distended 
from straining at stool. The strain- 
ing is the effort put forth to over- 
come the resistance of a rigidly con- 
tracted sphincter muscle. The arti- 
ficial stretching or relaxation of these 
muscles will often accomplish won- 
ders in the relief of constipation. 
The author has restored normal 
bowel activity by this measure alone, 
in a very few treatments, where 
the patient had not known what it 
was to have a natural movement 
in years. 

The author uses the fingers in 
administering this treatment, but 
it can be self administered by the use 
of rectal dilators, a cut of which is 
shown in the back part of the book. 

This treatment which soon se- 
cures easier and more complete evacu- 
ation, does away to a certain extent 
with straining. In many cases, 

43 



where rectal conditions have become 
extreme and chronic, nothing but 
skillful surgery will remove the dis- 
eased condition. 

Women often suffer from bowel 
difficulty, due to so-called female 
trouble, such as old neglected lacer- 
ations occuring at childbirth, mis- 
placed pelvic organs, etc. 

On account of the peculiar con- 
struction of the pelvic floor, the 
rectal and vaginal muscles act in 
unison. Whatever effects one in-, 
terferes with the function of the 
other. Thus a laceration of any 
magnitude at childbirth, unless 
promptly and properly repaired, will 
interfere to some extent with proper 
function of the rectum and lower 
bowel. 

Malpositions of the uterus are 
often the main cause of bowel diffi- 
culties in women. If the uterus 
(womb) is tipped backward to any 
great extent, it will press directly 

44 



upon the lower bowel, throwing it 
backward against the spine and ob- 
literating its passage way in varying 
degrees. This is especially true if 
the organ is enlarged. In many 
cases, if taken in time, these mal 
positions can be corrected, by ra- 
tional mechanical treatment. In 
other cases, if the bowel is to be re- 
lieved, the uterus must be suspended 
in its natural position by surgical 
measures. Tumors attached to the 
pelvic organs, often grow to the point 
where they encroach upon the pass- 
ageway of the bowels. Such cases 
demand surgical attention without 
delay. 

In cases that do not yield in the 
beginning to the rational measures 
advised in the preceeding chapters, 
and where some temporary artificial 
measure of relief is indicated, the 
author always advices the use of 
an enema (injection). We regard 

this measure as the lesser of two 

45 



evils, when compared with the taking 
of purges or cathartics. The trouble 
is nearly always in the large intestine, 
and we never could understand the 
necessity of putting drugs through 
some twenty odd feet of small in- 
testine, in order to reach it. We 
wish to call the reader's attention 
at this point, to what was said in 
the opening chapter, regarding the 
anatomical construction of the colon 
with its pocket-like depressions, 
which furnish such likely places for 
accumulation, putrefaction, absorb- 
tion, etc. See pages 9 and 38-A. 

We wish it clearly understood, 
however, that constipation is not 
to be cured by daily injections any 
more than by the constant taking 
of physic. 

If the bowels should not move 
for several days and disagreeable 
symptoms ensue, such as headache, 
etc., temporary relief is indicated. 
Plain water, salt and water, soap 

46 



suds or even warm olive oil in some 
cases, may be used. An ordinary 
fountain syringe will answer the 
purpose, if properly used. In irrigat- 
ing the colon, the author uses a 
physician's bedside bulb syringe, to 
which is attached a soft rubber 
catheter. 

It is not necessary to inject a 
large quantity of fluid, never more 
than a couple of quarts, and often 
a quart or even a pint will answer. 
We are speaking now of water so- 
lutions, and with reference to adults. 
When using oil a pint is a great 
plenty, followed in an hour or less 
with warm soap suds. A good posi- 
tion in which to take an enema, is 
to lie on the side or back, with pillows 
or something under the hips in order 
to elevate them. This enables the 
fluid used to flow into the intestine 
with the aid of gravity. It should 
be taken slowly, and not too hot, in 
order to avoid a desire for immediate 

47 



expulsion. A good way to regulate 
the flow is to pinch the tubing be- 
tween the thumb and fingers. It is 
well to retain the fluid for a reason- 
able length of time, providing it 
does not cause distress to do so. 
If the fluid taken is only partially 
expelled, it need not cause alarm. 
It may bring about an action the 
tollowing day, by its softening effect, 
while being absorbed and carried 
off through other channels. 

A good many physicians do not 
approve of the enema; and many of 
the laiety have the impression that 
it is injurious. The author knows 
from gratifying experience, that when 
properly used and not abused, it will 
do what nothing else will, to secure 
a normal and healthy condition of 
the colon. 



4M 



CHAPTER X. 

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION. 

The author has made a sincere 
effort in the preceeding pages to 
offer some helpful advice to the lay 
reader, upon what constitutes "Ra- 
tional Care of the Bowels" and now 
wishes to sum up what he terms 
the nail heads or important points, 
the better to impress them upon 
the mind of the reader. 

Natural and normal bowel ac- 
tivity is the exception rather than 
the rule. 

No more important subject from 
the standpoint of its effect upon 
bodily health, could occupy your 
attention. 

Normal activity of the bowel, 
in most cases, is lost through ig- 
norance, neglect, and the formation 
of injurious habits as to eating, 
exercise, regularity, etc. In order 

49 



to overcome the condition the process 
must be reversed. 

The greatest authorities agree 
that normal healthy bowel activity 
can not be obtained by constantly 
taking drugs, or the incessant use 
of other artificial measures, such 
as the enema, suppositories, etc. 

We wish again to call the reader's 
attention to the importance of diet. 
A concentrated diet will never over- 
come constipation. Some physician 
has aptly said, "Eat more rubbish/ ' 
meaning those articles of diet leaving 
a considerable amount of undigested 
residue. This fiber and cellulose is 
found to a great extent in most veget- 
ables, especially in green things, in 
nearly all fruits, and in the coarser 
bread, in which more of the outer 
covering of the grain has been left. 
Wheat bran deserves special mention. 

A reasonable amount of fluid 

should be taken each day, about 

six or eight glasses of water. Few 

5Q 



people drink too much, most people 
too little. Contrary to the opinion 
of some, it does no harm to drink 
a glass or two of water with meals, 
in fact it has been quite conclusively 
proven, that it aids digestion. 

^The modern toilet seat is not 
conducive to the most natural action 
of the bowel. Nature intended us 
to assume the position utilized by 
our remote ancestors, who did not 
enjoy the many blessings of civil- 
ization. This position can be approxi- 
mated, by placing a foot stool or a 
small box under the feet, while 
seated upon the toilet. This posi- 
tion will in many cases facilitate a 
more complete evacuation. 

^ Normal bowel activity is difficult 
to attain, unless a sufficient amount 
of exercise is taken. For those of 
sedentary occupation, the less stren- 
uous forms are advised, such as 
walking, rowing, swimming, golf and 

5! 



tennis, the latter if one is accus- 
tomed to it. 

In closing, let us once more em- 
phasize the great importance of 
regularity in all things pertaining 
to this important function, especially 
as to meals and the answering of 
Nature's calls. 



12 






Smooth, heavy glass rectal dilators. Very useful 
in the treatment of many cases of constipation, 
Can be secured at any first class drug store, surgi- 
cal supply house. For Sale by the author at $1.00 a 
set, post paid, including full instructions. 



S* 



